Protect yourself against urinary tract infections with vitamin D

Added 24.02.2011

One of the most common types of infection, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are responsible for over 8 million visits a year, says the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Although both men and women can develop UTIs, women are more susceptible and about one in five will suffer from a UTI at some point in life. For many of these women, infections are recurrent.

Vitamin D regulates anti-microbial substance which fights UTIs

If you didn't know that vitamin D was a super vitamin already, this versatile nutrient can also activate and increase the production of an anti-microbial substance which combats and protects against urinary tract infections.

Cathelicidin, as it is known in the science world, is found in many cells in our bodies and destroys bacteria including those which cause urinary tract infections such as E. coli. The best part is that having a sufficient level of vitamin D in our bodies not only fights existing infection, but also provides future protection through a strengthened immune system.

Most people don't get sufficient levels of vitamin D

In principle this is all great news; but in reality the vast majority of us do not get sufficient levels of vitamin D all year round. During the winter months we don't get adequate sun exposure and this is especially true the further north we live. Even during summer, unless we can be in the sun for about 20 minutes every day, chances are our vitamin D levels are sub-optimal. Many researchers agree that in order to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D all the time, dietary supplements are the ideal way to go.

What are the optimal levels of vitamin D?

The daily dose used in the study was 2000 IU, an amount most scientists agree is optimal to promote health and prevent many diseases. Just as important as the dose, is the type of vitamin D. Vitamin D3, the biologically active form of vitamin D was used in the study and the one that is most recommended by researchers.

Inadequate vitamin D levels not just detrimental to your health!

A sub-optimal level of vitamin D is linked to osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, muscle weakness, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections diseases and the list goes on and on! But vitamin D insufficiency doesn't just take a toll on your health; it is taking a huge cut out of our economy. To be precise, it is costing Europe 187 billion Euros in health care costs! A point in case: just imagine the social and financial benefits of saving eight million doses of antibiotics a year just by simply taking very affordable vitamin D supplements!

Doctor's Natural Vitamin D Extra

With a daily dose of 2000 IU of vitamin D3, Doctor's Natural Vitamin D Extra is sure to boost your immune system to help fight and prevent not only UTIs, but many other infections and diseases!

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